The Mangrove Sanctuary of
Tumbes that is composed of extensive
aquatic forests that create a one of a
kind environment between the river and
the sea is home to black hawks, egrets,
and other birds. Located on the far
northwest Peruvian coast, covering an
area of 2,972 hectares, the Tumbes
mangroves are the borderline for many
species of flora and fauna associated
with this kind of eco-system. The
natural sanctuary protects the country's
largest mangroves, and is a haven for
the many varied animal species that feed
off them. Particularly striking are the
invertebrates, featuring an enormous
variety of mollusks, including black
scallops, 34 species of crustaceans, 33
types of snails and more than a hundred
fish species. The sanctuary is also a
key breeding ground for commercial
marine species such as shrimp. Migratory
and resident bird species, as well as
the endangered black American alligator,
a unique species, and the anteater, are
just a few of the more interesting
inhabitants of the area. (PromPeru). This pictures was
taken in Puerto 25 area - Matapalo
Island (Feb
08). |